Some one that knows me all too well sent me a video of what are called Krampus. The Krampus are " companions of St. Nicolas" that do his dirty work (i.e. hitting children with bundles of sticks, throwing them into bags, and filling their stockings with coal. )
The video below is not the one that was sent, this one is much more violent and scary. They usually just dance around, but this one shows that they can get a bit more aggressive and physical. I urge you to investigate other Krampus documentation to get a better sense of how the tradition varies. The basic story goes, every December 5th, the eve of the feast of St. Nick, these hairy-scaries take to the street and scare the shit out of children, good and bad, which makes them feel extra good the next day when they are still alive, and have shoes full of candy, apples, and delicious baked goods.
So this Christmas, if you were not haunted by these horned specters, didn't get coals or sticks in your shoes, and didn't suffer multiple whippings, take it as a sign that you improved enough to ward of the Krampus. And enjoy the holdover of Germanic culture in the Americas.
p.s. those bells are awesome.
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